Banana Facts

2. SLIDE 1: BANANA FACTS The first few slides are up-to-date (at time of writing) facts about bananas. Read through the slides using the additional notes below if required. Currently only 1 per cent of that is Fairtrade Certified The banana trade is big business, coming fifth in agricultural trade after cereals, sugar, coffee and cocoa Bananas are the largest plant without a woody stem. They are actually giant herbs and belong to the same family as lilies, orchids and palms. They contain tryptophan and vitamin B6, known to make us feel happy. SLIDE 1: BANANA FACTS The first few slides are up-to-date (at time of writing) facts about bananas. Read through the slides using the additional notes below if required. Currently only 1 per cent of that is Fairtrade Certified The banana trade is big business, coming fifth in agricultural trade after cereals, sugar, coffee and cocoa Bananas are the largest plant without a woody stem. They are actually giant herbs and belong to the same family as lilies, orchids and palms. They contain tryptophan and vitamin B6, known to make us feel happy.

3. SLIDE 2: MORE BANANA FACTS 6. Bananas are grown in 107 countries. The production is concentrated in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America because of the suitable weather conditions. 7 and 8. Bananas are harvested almost every day of the year. Most small farms harvest every two weeks. They are one of a few fruits that ripen best off the plant, even in tropical growing areas, bananas for domestic consumption are cut green and stored in shaded places for a slow ripening process. 9. Bananas are susceptible to a host of diseases, especially in plantations. This results in farmers being forced to rely on pesticides and fungicides to produce the �perfect� crop to go to market. 10. In the UK prices dropped by 42 per cent between 2002 and 2008, from over a pound a kilo to as low as 50pence, spelling disaster for the farmer SLIDE 2: MORE BANANA FACTS 6. Bananas are grown in 107 countries. The production is concentrated in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America because of the suitable weather conditions. 7 and 8. Bananas are harvested almost every day of the year. Most small farms harvest every two weeks. They are one of a few fruits that ripen best off the plant, even in tropical growing areas, bananas for domestic consumption are cut green and stored in shaded places for a slow ripening process. 9. Bananas are susceptible to a host of diseases, especially in plantations. This results in farmers being forced to rely on pesticides and fungicides to produce the �perfect� crop to go to market. 10. In the UK prices dropped by 42 per cent between 2002 and 2008, from over a pound a kilo to as low as 50pence, spelling disaster for the farmer

4. SLIDE 3: BANANA PRODUCERS � The banana trade without Fairtrade Small scale farmers Fairtrade labelling was set up to help the bottom end of the supply chain � in effect the small, family-owned farms in developing countries. Unfortunately, small-scale farmers are always at a disadvantage in the world trading system. They cannot produce the high quantities multinationals require (they are often used as buffer suppliers), the fruit�s perishable nature often means small-scale farmers lose an entire harvest and volatile weather conditions could also mean crops or harvests are destroyed often severe enough to put a farmer out of business. These factors make small-scale farmers less attractive to buyers, who need to ensure year-round consistency of supply. However, the western world is beginning to realise that bigger isn�t always better. Plantations often owned by large multinationals employ the use of harmful chemicals to ensure productivity is high and standardised. The cost to the environment is devastating, including polluting water ways and contaminating the soil. Health consequences are also abundant in the workers and their families. Illnesses range from depression, respiratory problems, damage to the eyes, skin infections, sterility and cancer. Women often miscarry or give birth to children with birth defects. SLIDE 3: BANANA PRODUCERS � The banana trade without Fairtrade Small scale farmers Fairtrade labelling was set up to help the bottom end of the supply chain � in effect the small, family-owned farms in developing countries. Unfortunately, small-scale farmers are always at a disadvantage in the world trading system. They cannot produce the high quantities multinationals require (they are often used as buffer suppliers), the fruit�s perishable nature often means small-scale farmers lose an entire harvest and volatile weather conditions could also mean crops or harvests are destroyed often severe enough to put a farmer out of business. These factors make small-scale farmers less attractive to buyers, who need to ensure year-round consistency of supply. However, the western world is beginning to realise that bigger isn�t always better. Plantations often owned by large multinationals employ the use of harmful chemicals to ensure productivity is high and standardised. The cost to the environment is devastating, including polluting water ways and contaminating the soil. Health consequences are also abundant in the workers and their families. Illnesses range from depression, respiratory problems, damage to the eyes, skin infections, sterility and cancer. Women often miscarry or give birth to children with birth defects.

5. SLIDE 4: LARGE BANANA PLANTATIONS The other type of banana production is on medium � large scale plantations that hire labour all year round. In some cases plantations can encompass 250 hectares of land and typically use one employee to work 1 � 1.5 hectares. Whilst many may approve lower prices for produce especially in the current economic climate, it is inevitable that the farmers and workers are being considerably affected. However, the exploitation of banana workers, especially on the larger scale plantations, is not new. Wages have fallen dramatically over the past 15 years. In Costa Rica in 1993 a monthly wage would be approx $250, four years later it had fallen to $187, yet the cost of living had almost doubled. Women workers are also heavily penalised. They receive no maternity leave or healthcare, there are no childcare facilities provided, and it has been found that fewer and fewer women are being employed so that employers can avoid these responsibilities. An International Labour Organisation (ILO) study found that trade union organisations are being persecuted and repressed. This situation is worse in countries like Colombia and Guatemala, where there are reports of systematic murders of Union activists as a means of discouraging others from becoming involved in union activities. Some countries, including Costa Rica, have passed legislation stating that workers should not be in the fields when the crops are being aerially sprayed with chemicals. However, these laws are being routinely violated, with employers often disciplining workers who fail to continue working during the aerial spraying. SLIDE 4: LARGE BANANA PLANTATIONS The other type of banana production is on medium � large scale plantations that hire labour all year round. In some cases plantations can encompass 250 hectares of land and typically use one employee to work 1 � 1.5 hectares. Whilst many may approve lower prices for produce especially in the current economic climate, it is inevitable that the farmers and workers are being considerably affected. However, the exploitation of banana workers, especially on the larger scale plantations, is not new. Wages have fallen dramatically over the past 15 years. In Costa Rica in 1993 a monthly wage would be approx $250, four years later it had fallen to $187, yet the cost of living had almost doubled. Women workers are also heavily penalised. They receive no maternity leave or healthcare, there are no childcare facilities provided, and it has been found that fewer and fewer women are being employed so that employers can avoid these responsibilities. An International Labour Organisation (ILO) study found that trade union organisations are being persecuted and repressed. This situation is worse in countries like Colombia and Guatemala, where there are reports of systematic murders of Union activists as a means of discouraging others from becoming involved in union activities. Some countries, including Costa Rica, have passed legislation stating that workers should not be in the fields when the crops are being aerially sprayed with chemicals. However, these laws are being routinely violated, with employers often disciplining workers who fail to continue working during the aerial spraying.

6. SLIDE 5: The Fairtrade Label�s 5 Guarantees Aim To outline the guarantees that the label supports. Key Points When you see the FAIRTRADE Label, it means that it has been independently certified to make sure producers are getting a better deal from what they sell. It means that: The producer organisations have received a fair and stable price for their products In addition to the basic price, farmers and workers have the opportunity to improve their lives through an additional premium. They can use this money any way they like to improve their own organisations, or invest in their community. Farmers and workers decided democratically what these projects should be. Fairtrade standards aim to protect and improve the environment, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. With the extra income that farmers receive from Fairtrade, they can also invest in their own environmental projects, such as recycling, tree planting, clean water programmes. Some farmers are also using money from Fairtrade to convert to organic farming methods. Small farmers gain a stronger position in world markets. By working together farmers can be stronger in the market. Fairtrade supports small farmers in building up their own organisations, and helping them to compete in a vicious market place. With Fairtrade, we can feel a closer link with people at the other end of the supply chain, who grow the products we buy. When we choose Fairtrade, factors such as a fair and stable price creates change today � immediate change for the people who produced the product. It also is a part of a long term process of change as producers can invest in their businesses and communities through the social premium. Finally by choosing Fairtrade products, we can send out a signal to politicians and businesses about how we would like international trade to work better for poor people and the planet � a call for trade justice. Possible Questions What does the FAIRTRADE Label mean to you, when you see it on a product? SLIDE 5: The Fairtrade Label�s 5 Guarantees Aim To outline the guarantees that the label supports. Key Points When you see the FAIRTRADE Label, it means that it has been independently certified to make sure producers are getting a better deal from what they sell. It means that: The producer organisations have received a fair and stable price for their products In addition to the basic price, farmers and workers have the opportunity to improve their lives through an additional premium. They can use this money any way they like to improve their own organisations, or invest in their community. Farmers and workers decided democratically what these projects should be. Fairtrade standards aim to protect and improve the environment, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. With the extra income that farmers receive from Fairtrade, they can also invest in their own environmental projects, such as recycling, tree planting, clean water programmes. Some farmers are also using money from Fairtrade to convert to organic farming methods. Small farmers gain a stronger position in world markets. By working together farmers can be stronger in the market. Fairtrade supports small farmers in building up their own organisations, and helping them to compete in a vicious market place. With Fairtrade, we can feel a closer link with people at the other end of the supply chain, who grow the products we buy. When we choose Fairtrade, factors such as a fair and stable price creates change today � immediate change for the people who produced the product. It also is a part of a long term process of change as producers can invest in their businesses and communities through the social premium. Finally by choosing Fairtrade products, we can send out a signal to politicians and businesses about how we would like international trade to work better for poor people and the planet � a call for trade justice. Possible Questions What does the FAIRTRADE Label mean to you, when you see it on a product?

7. SLIDE 6: FAIRTRADE BANANAS Thousands of people have benefited from sales of Fairtrade bananas. What they all have in common is that Fairtrade has supported their producer organisations to develop their democracy, participation and empowerment alongside delivering significant economic benefits. Economic Impact Stable prices: As conventional banana prices have declined, Fairtrade banana prices to producers have remained stable. This has proved a lifeline for small farmers who have few economic alternatives. In the Windward Islands more than 20,000 of 25,000 farmers have gone out of business since 1992. 85% of the surviving farmers in the Windward Islands are now Fairtrade Certified. Pension: The Fairtrade premium in Dominica has allowed a fund to be established to provide a lump sum payment on retirement, traditionally a very rare privilege. Jobs: In Ghana the plantation provided much needed employment opportunities Business development: Farmers in the Windwards have now moved into growing coconuts for the export market Empowerment Empowering vulnerable farmers and exploited workers is at the heart of Fairtrade. The strengthening of small farmers� organisations is a key means of improving their position and bargaining power in the supply chain. �Fairtrade is empowering people to manage their own affairs � the development of human capacity that is so vital for the future. With Fairtrade, small farmers have been transformed from marginalised farmers into business men.� Amos Wilshire, Fairtrade Co-ordinator, WINFA, Dominica �There is an enhanced sense of participation in the banana industry, an increased sense of social awareness within communities both by farmers and, as a knock on effect, by the community as a whole..Fairtrade has rekindled farmers� hope and confidence, which was in serious decline.� Colin Borton, Windwards Bananas, UK A co-operative in Ghana started a union that introduced benefits almost unheard of in Ghana, increasing wages to 30% above the national minimum, introduced permanent contracts and are entitled to maternity, sick, compassionate and study leave. Social Impact and Well-Being Dominican Republic farmers in the ASBANU co-operative have invested in schools, sports, healthcare and production facilities At El Guabo in Ecuador, Fairtrade premiums have funded over 450 scholarships to cover workers� children�s school fees, built a nursery, provides health insurance to name a few. In the Windwards, the premium has contributed to the development of the wider community by improving roads, providing support to schools and provisions to rural clinics as well as transport and bus shelters around the area. �Fairtrade has contributed in no short measure to the lives and livelihoods of many farming communities and the economic and social stability in the region as a whole.� Arthur Bobb, WINFA SLIDE 6: FAIRTRADE BANANAS Thousands of people have benefited from sales of Fairtrade bananas. What they all have in common is that Fairtrade has supported their producer organisations to develop their democracy, participation and empowerment alongside delivering significant economic benefits. Economic Impact Stable prices: As conventional banana prices have declined, Fairtrade banana prices to producers have remained stable. This has proved a lifeline for small farmers who have few economic alternatives. In the Windward Islands more than 20,000 of 25,000 farmers have gone out of business since 1992. 85% of the surviving farmers in the Windward Islands are now Fairtrade Certified. Pension: The Fairtrade premium in Dominica has allowed a fund to be established to provide a lump sum payment on retirement, traditionally a very rare privilege. Jobs: In Ghana the plantation provided much needed employment opportunities Business development: Farmers in the Windwards have now moved into growing coconuts for the export market Empowerment Empowering vulnerable farmers and exploited workers is at the heart of Fairtrade. The strengthening of small farmers� organisations is a key means of improving their position and bargaining power in the supply chain. �Fairtrade is empowering people to manage their own affairs � the development of human capacity that is so vital for the future. With Fairtrade, small farmers have been transformed from marginalised farmers into business men.� Amos Wilshire, Fairtrade Co-ordinator, WINFA, Dominica �There is an enhanced sense of participation in the banana industry, an increased sense of social awareness within communities both by farmers and, as a knock on effect, by the community as a whole..Fairtrade has rekindled farmers� hope and confidence, which was in serious decline.� Colin Borton, Windwards Bananas, UK A co-operative in Ghana started a union that introduced benefits almost unheard of in Ghana, increasing wages to 30% above the national minimum, introduced permanent contracts and are entitled to maternity, sick, compassionate and study leave. Social Impact and Well-Being Dominican Republic farmers in the ASBANU co-operative have invested in schools, sports, healthcare and production facilities At El Guabo in Ecuador, Fairtrade premiums have funded over 450 scholarships to cover workers� children�s school fees, built a nursery, provides health insurance to name a few. In the Windwards, the premium has contributed to the development of the wider community by improving roads, providing support to schools and provisions to rural clinics as well as transport and bus shelters around the area. �Fairtrade has contributed in no short measure to the lives and livelihoods of many farming communities and the economic and social stability in the region as a whole.� Arthur Bobb, WINFA

8. SLIDE 7: FAIRTRADE DOMINICAN BANANAS Introduce film by saying they are going to see an example of how Fairtrade and the social premium operate using the ASOBANO co-operative in the Dominican Republic as an example from the UK. After viewing ask people to identify the differences Fairtrade has had on this plantation in comparison to the details provided on the US controlled large plantations e.g. workers are wearing protective gear, both male and female workers, there is more than one worker in the field harvesting the bananas And of course the social premium � schools, basketball court, good storage facilities and decent equipment SLIDE 7: FAIRTRADE DOMINICAN BANANAS Introduce film by saying they are going to see an example of how Fairtrade and the social premium operate using the ASOBANO co-operative in the Dominican Republic as an example from the UK. After viewing ask people to identify the differences Fairtrade has had on this plantation in comparison to the details provided on the US controlled large plantations e.g. workers are wearing protective gear, both male and female workers, there is more than one worker in the field harvesting the bananas And of course the social premium � schools, basketball court, good storage facilities and decent equipment

9. SLIDE 8: THE UK MODEL After several years of hard work to put Fairtrade structures in place, the Windward Islands shipped the first ever Fairtrade bananas to the UK in 2000. With commitment from consumers and supermarkets Sainsbury�s and Waitrose the target sales are on track. SLIDE 8: THE UK MODEL After several years of hard work to put Fairtrade structures in place, the Windward Islands shipped the first ever Fairtrade bananas to the UK in 2000. With commitment from consumers and supermarkets Sainsbury�s and Waitrose the target sales are on track.

10. SLIDE 9: Bananas in NZ At the moment, New Zealand imports the highest amount of bananas per capita, mainly imported from large plantations in Central and South America. The Fair Trade Association has been working hard, establishing communication with small-scale banana farmers in the Asia-Pacific region. This is beneficial for two reasons. Firstly, we would be helping many marginalised farmers establish honest and stable trading partnerships and secondly, we would be helping New Zealand�s carbon footprint. Why import from half way around the world, when we can import from countries on our doorstep. SLIDE 9: Bananas in NZ At the moment, New Zealand imports the highest amount of bananas per capita, mainly imported from large plantations in Central and South America. The Fair Trade Association has been working hard, establishing communication with small-scale banana farmers in the Asia-Pacific region. This is beneficial for two reasons. Firstly, we would be helping many marginalised farmers establish honest and stable trading partnerships and secondly, we would be helping New Zealand�s carbon footprint. Why import from half way around the world, when we can import from countries on our doorstep.

11. SLIDE 10: GO BANANAS FOR FAIRTRADE This FTF is focusing on introducing Fairtrade bananas into the New Zealand market. There are a number of ways that each and every one of us can make an impact on the lives of our local small-scale marginalised farmers. Go online and use the email template to send off to the HQs of our major supermarket chains. The more hits the better, so get your friends involved too. Make it a local mission too: hand in demand cards to local stores, dairies and supermarkets. If anything it�ll get them thinking about the possibility and start the ball rolling. If this campaign is successful, we must show our support by buying Fairtrade bananas and sticking to them too.SLIDE 10: GO BANANAS FOR FAIRTRADE This FTF is focusing on introducing Fairtrade bananas into the New Zealand market. There are a number of ways that each and every one of us can make an impact on the lives of our local small-scale marginalised farmers. Go online and use the email template to send off to the HQs of our major supermarket chains. The more hits the better, so get your friends involved too. Make it a local mission too: hand in demand cards to local stores, dairies and supermarkets. If anything it�ll get them thinking about the possibility and start the ball rolling. If this campaign is successful, we must show our support by buying Fairtrade bananas and sticking to them too.

12. Slide 12: Growing Fairtrade Market Aim To illustrate how successfully fairtrade is spreading and being taken up by mainstream retailers Key Points There has been a steady increase in Fairtrade Retail Sales in ANZ. They have increased from AU$200k in 2003, to over AU$28m (NZ$10m) in 2008 Number of Businesses Licensed Fairtrade has increased from 7 (6 AU / 1 in NZ) at end of 2003, 26 (15 AU / 9 in NZ) at end 2004, 58 (40 AU / 18 in NZ) at end of 2005, now over 100 (78 AU / 42 in NZ). Major increase in volume of Fairtrade imports. 54Mega Tonnes (NZ) and 114MT (AU) of Fairtrade Certified products imported in 2005, and an estimated combined total of 400MT in 2006 (approx 130 NZ and 270 AU). Through a survey carried out at the end of each Fair Trade Fortnight - public awareness of the fair trade concept in NZ has increased from 24% in 2005 to 37% in 2006. Approx 40% of NZ buy fair trade products In November 2006 a NZ Herald article commented on the extraordinary growth of Fairtrade sales in NZ � It described NZers as �nation of solution seekers� as a reason for their consumption of Fairtrade products. Slide 12: Growing Fairtrade Market Aim To illustrate how successfully fairtrade is spreading and being taken up by mainstream retailers Key Points There has been a steady increase in Fairtrade Retail Sales in ANZ. They have increased from AU$200k in 2003, to over AU$28m (NZ$10m) in 2008 Number of Businesses Licensed Fairtrade has increased from 7 (6 AU / 1 in NZ) at end of 2003, 26 (15 AU / 9 in NZ) at end 2004, 58 (40 AU / 18 in NZ) at end of 2005, now over 100 (78 AU / 42 in NZ). Major increase in volume of Fairtrade imports. 54Mega Tonnes (NZ) and 114MT (AU) of Fairtrade Certified products imported in 2005, and an estimated combined total of 400MT in 2006 (approx 130 NZ and 270 AU). Through a survey carried out at the end of each Fair Trade Fortnight - public awareness of the fair trade concept in NZ has increased from 24% in 2005 to 37% in 2006. Approx 40% of NZ buy fair trade products In November 2006 a NZ Herald article commented on the extraordinary growth of Fairtrade sales in NZ � It described NZers as �nation of solution seekers� as a reason for their consumption of Fairtrade products.